Tired Cat

What was your favorite book as a child?

Because my mother worked in a library, I grew up surrounded by books and read constantly, often things that were not meant for my age. The stories I remember most vividly from childhood are Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. I was especially attached to “Thumbelina.” Even though I knew the story by heart, I would worry every time about the swallow and whether it would survive the winter. That moment always felt real to me, no matter how many times I reread it.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

I worked with language professionally as a copywriter for years, but creative writing came later. About two years ago I started writing original fiction outside of any brief or expectation, mostly for a small circle of friends and private groups. That shift made me realize I wanted to write stories for their own sake, not as a service.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

The most adventurous thing I’ve done was applying for a small grant on a dare. I wrote a business proposal for a sewing project inspired by my grandmother, who was a tailor, and completely forgot about it. When I was told I had received the grant, I realized I didn’t actually know how to sew. I decided to learn. I took pattern-making and sewing courses and completed the project. The sewing machine I bought back then is still in use — my daughter uses it now.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I listen to music while writing. I’m someone who lives with headphones on, and music helps me focus and stay inside the text. I often imagine my stories as scenes from a film and build small soundtracks for them while I work. It helps me keep the rhythm and emotional tone of a story consistent.